MRI Results. Dad Update 3/22/2017

When I think back to the fact that I've had this blog for over three years now, and we've been visiting the Cancer Clinic for almost 3.5 years (sometimes two-three times a month!) it's unreal to see how far we've come. 

Dad's MRI appointment today went great! There are no signs of tumor or cancer in his MRI- Dad is a 3.5 YEAR Brain Cancer Survivor. Oh it feels pretty darn amazing to read that!

Dr. Fleener talked about the statistics associated with Dad's cancer- sharing some new studies and the question we all have in the back of our head- what are the chances of this tumor coming back?

Well, about 5-10% of patients survive past 3 years- yes, that statistic is FAR too low, so we've already beat the odds right there! And then studies rarely follow patients much longer than that, but it appears they stay fairly stable. So what are the chances Dad's tumor will return? That we don't know- but what we DO know, is that he's an incredible fighter who has beat the odds so far and for that we will celebrate!

Dad's feeling SO much better since stopping his treatments- from mowing the grass, to staying out later, and just enjoying more daily errands with Mutz- his energy seems to be higher and, overall, he looks great. We pray this continues on in the future!

Some blood work is being done to check all his levels- thyroid, blood count, vitamin levels, etc- as Dr. Fleener said, "Now that we don't have to worry about a tumor, we can focus on all the other things that can happen to you when you get old." We all laughed, but oh did that make my heart so happy to hear. 

Friday I'll be heading to Houston to pick up packets for our upcoming trip to Run For The Rose- a 5k that supports the Dr Marnie Rose Foundation & brain cancer research. So far we have 76 members on our team and we've raised $4,530! My goal was to bring 75 people to the run and raise $5,000- we are so incredibly close! Thank you to all who have joined our team and/or made a donation- you are helping the next patient's story be that of a cure!

I hope Dad's story- one that has had MANY ups & downs along the way- can show others that with a little bit of hope and a whole lot of prayers, anything is possible. We would love to have each of you join us, or make a donation, to help support a foundation that is walking side by side with us in our brain cancer journey- one in which our main focus is to find a cure for this beast and provide others with HOPE. 

If you would like more information on the run or how you can make a donation, please feel free to email me (glenzwhitney@gmail.com).

Visit our team website for more information: http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer

Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!